Showing posts with label Hazel Dickens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hazel Dickens. Show all posts

November 1, 2022

Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard: Who's That Knocking?

 Folkways Records – FTS 31055
Folkways Records – FTS 31055

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1965
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
A1 Walkin' In My Sleep (2:00)
A2 Can't You Hear Me Calling (3:12)
A3 Darling Nellie Across The Sea (2:15)
A4 Difficult Run (1:30)
A5 Coal Miner's Blues (2:40)
A6 Gabriel's Call (2:12)
A7 Just Another Broken Heart (2:40)
A8 Take Me Back To Tulsa (2:13)
B1 Who's That Knocking? (2:52)
B2 Cowboy Jim (2:00)
B3 Long Black Veil (3:20)
B4 Lee Highway Blues (1:55)
B5 Lover's Return (2:45)
B6 Gonna Lay Down My Old Guitar (2:53)
B7 I Hear A Sweet Voice Calling (3:05)
[Credits]
Hazel Dickens (bass/vocals) Alice Gerrard (guitar/vocals) Lamar Grier (banjo) Chubby Wise (fiddle) David Grisman (mandolin)
Producer and Mastering Engineer: Peter K. Siegel, Sleeve Notes: Bill Vernon, Liner Notes: Neil V. Rosenberg and James Deutsch, Designer: Cooley Design Lab, Cover Photo: Dorothea Lange
[Notes]
Initially released in 1965, Who's That Knocking? is the first album by Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard. With this trailblazing record, Hazel and Alice shattered the glass ceiling of male-dominated bluegrass, which had typically relegated women to minor musical roles at best. Hazel and Alice’s hard-edged, soulful harmonies were firmly rooted in the older music traditions of the rural South. Their steadfast devotion to their powerful, driving style inspired generations of women in bluegrass, country music, and even punk. They are accompanied on this album by Chubby Wise, arguably the architect of bluegrass fiddling; David Grisman, whose mandolin improvisations changed the landscape of acoustic music; and Lamar Grier, who played banjo as a member of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys in the 1960s. Unavailable on vinyl for decades, Who's That Knocking? was remastered in 2021 by its original producer Peter K. Siegel, and has been reissued with its original artwork and liner notes.

October 14, 2022

Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard: Pioneering Women of Bluegrass

Smithsonian Folkways SFW CD 40252
The Definitive Edition
Smithsonian Folkways SFW CD 40252

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: October 21, 2022
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
01 I Just Got Wise (02:29)
02 Walkin' in My Sleep (02:07)
03 The One I Love Is Gone (03:07)
04 Weary Lonesome Blues (02:42)
05 Long Black Veil (03:18)
06 Cowboy Jim (02:02)
07 Memories of Mother and Dad (02:35)
08 Sugar Tree Stomp (02:05)
09 Mommy Please Stay Home With Me (03:12)
10 Gabriel's Call (02:13)
11 Coal Miner's Blues (02:43)
12 Difficult Run (01:31)
13 Who's That Knocking? (02:57)
14 A Tiny Broken Heart (03:01)
15 Can't You Hear Me Calling? (03:13)
16 Darling Nellie Across the Sea (02:18)
17 Won't You Come and Sing for Me? (02:44)
18 Lee Highway Blues (01:38)
19 A Distant Land to Roam (02:58)
20 Gonna Lay Down My Old Guitar (02:53)
21 Take Me Back to Tulsa (02:13)
22 They're at Rest Together (T.B. Blues) (03:25)
23 John Henry (01:48)
24 Just Another Broken Heart (02:42)
25 Train on the Island (01:39)
26 Lover's Return (03:05)
27 I Hear a Sweet Voice Calling (03:07)
28 Childish Love (02:55)
[Credits]
Producer and Liner Notes: Peter K. Siegel, Liner Notes: Hazel Dickens, Alice Gerrard, Laurie Lewis and James Deutsch, Photographer: John Cohen and Carl Fleischhaue
[Notes]
The soaring harmonies and driving string-band sound of Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard shattered the glass ceiling of male-dominated bluegrass in the 1960s. Hazel and Alice’s influence on music – and not just roots music – is hard to overstate. They’ve been acknowledged by artists as diverse as country superstars Naomi and Wynonna Judd, champion flat-picker Molly Tuttle, and proto-feminist punk rocker Kathleen Hanna. Their steadfast devotion to their own hard-hitting style inspired generations of women in bluegrass. Pioneering Women of Bluegrass: The Definitive Edition collects all the songs from Hazel and Alice’s two groundbreaking Folkways albums, and a previously unreleased bonus track, all remastered by their original producer Peter Siegel. They are joined on these recordings by such bluegrass legends as Chubby Wise and David Grisman. The CD booklet includes an expanded set of essays by Hazel, Alice, Laurie Lewis, and Peter Siegel, as well as iconic photographs by John Cohen and Carl Fleischhaue.

July 1, 2022

O Sister! The Women's Bluegrass Collection

Rounder Records – RCD 0499
Rounder Records – RCD 0499

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2002
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
01 If Wishes Were Horses Gretchen: Peters Claire Lynch (02:35)
02 Silver Tongue and Gold Plated Lies: Suzanne Thomas (03:26)
03 Sad Situation Clyde: PittsDelia Bell (02:27)
04 True Life Blues: Bill Monroe / Hazel Dickens / Alice Gerrard (02:36)
05 Lonesome Wind Blues: Wayne Raney Rhonda Vincent (03:01)
06 Pardon Me: Jesse McReynolds The Cox Family (02:44)
07 Old River: Hazel Dickens / Ginny Hawker (02:59)
08 You Tried to Ruin My Name: Pee Wee King / Wilma Lee Cooper (02:27)
09 I Can't Find Your Love Any More: Hazel Dickens (02:35)
10 Just Like Rain: Kathy Kallick / John ReischmanKathy Kallick / Laurie Lewis (02:15)
11 Mama's Hand: Hazel Dickens / Lynn Morris (04:13)
12 Every Time You Say Goodbye: John Pennell / Alison Krauss (03:17)
13 BlueStevens Sisters (02:39)
14 Time Is Winding Up: Ginny Hawker / Carol Elizabeth Jones (04:17)
15 Blow, Big Wind: Laurie Lewi (02:52)
16 Will There Be Any Stars?: The Cox Family / Alison Krauss (03:12)
17 The Last Old Shovel: Phyllis Boyens (02:21)
18 Comin' Down from God Carol: Elizabeth Jones (02:42)
19 Eight More Miles: Laurie Lewis / Claire Lynch / Lynn Morris / Rhonda Vincent (02:42)
[Credits]
Compiler: Ken Irwin, Liner Notes: Marty Godbey, Designer: Visual Dialogue, Photographer: Rick Olivier, Engineer: Toby Mountain
{Notes}
The latest in a lengthening string of releases designed to benefit from association with the Coen brothers film O Brother, Where Art Thou? is this all-girl bluegrass compilation, which features on its cover the requisite stubbly cornfield and archaic font style. Opportunistic as the packaging may be, there's no arguing with the quality of the content. Generously packed with outstanding performances by women as stylistically disparate as Hazel Dickens, Claire Lynch, and Kathy Kallick, O Sister is a delightful celebration of several generations of criminally unheralded female bluegrass artists. The highlights are many, but particular standout tracks include Rhonda Vincent's rocking "Lonesome Wind Blues," the hard-edged mountain sound of Phyllis Boyens (backed up by Hazel Dickens and the Johnson Mountain Boys), and the clawhammer banjo-powered "Comin' Down From God" by the relatively unknown Carol Elizabeth Jones. The usual suspects are here too, of course, including Alison Krauss (on the exquisitely gentle and sweet "Every Time You Say Goodbye") and the Cox Family (twice). You might buy this one because you feel guilty about the way women have been neglected in the bluegrass world, but you'll keep coming back to it because the songs are just so dang good. --Allmusic Review by Rick Anderson

May 5, 2022

16 Down Home Country Classics

Arhoolie Records - CD 110
Arhoolie Records - CD 110

Format: CD, Album
Country: United States
Released: 1997
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass, & Country
[Tracklist]
01 Single Girl: Rose Maddox (2:09)
02 No Never No: Strange Creek Singers (4:09)
03 Run Mountain: J.E. Mainer (2:52)
04 Spanish Fandango: Snuffy Jenkins (1:23)
05 Eight Thirty Blues: The Armstrong Twins (2:09)
06 Hey, Hey Bartender: Del McCoury (2:38)
07 Sam McGee Stomp: Sam McGee (2:04)
08 Old Dan Tucker: Louisiana Honey Drippers (2:20)
09 You Turned Your Back: Toni Brown (2:17)
10 Carroll County Blues: Suzy and Eric Thompson (3:18)
11 George's Playhouse Boogie: Maddox Brothers & Rose (2:44)
12 John Barleycorn: Kenny Baker (2:11)
13 Black Land Farmer: Bill Neely (3:48)
14 Turkey Buzzard / Chinquapin Hunting: Any Old Time String Band (2:46)
15 Hello Stranger: The Carter Family (2:09)
16 Bogue Chito Fling Ding: Hodges Brothers (1:56)
[Credits]
Producer and Editor: Chris Strachwitz and Tom Diamant, Photographer: Barry Oliver, Designer: Wayne Pope and Craig Millman
[Notes]
"Down home" country music originated in the Appalachian region of Virginia, North and South Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee in the early part of the 20th century. Played using acoustical stringed instruments, traditional country music is derived from English folk songs along with elements of gospel and blues. This collection presents 16 examples of traditional country music and includes tracks from the Carter Family, the Strange Creek Singers with Hazel Dickens, Rose Maddox, and NEA National Heritage Fellow Del McCoury. Liner notes include each track's original Arhoolie album for further listening.

April 30, 2022

American Banjo: Three-Finger and Scruggs Style

Smithsonian Folkways – SF 40037
Smithsonian Folkways – SF 40037

Format: Vinyl, LP, Reissue
Country: United States
Released: 1990
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
A01 Shortening Bread: Smiley Hobbs, Pete Kuykendall, and Mike Seeger (0:49)
A02 Pig in a Pen: Smiley Hobbs, Pete Kuykendall, and Mike Seeger (1:15)
A03 Train 45: Smiley Hobbs, Pete Kuykendall, and Mike Seeger (2:22)
A04 Rosewood Casket: Smiley Hobbs, Pete Kuykendall, and Mike Seeger (1:30)
A05 Cotton Eye Joe: Smiley Hobbs, Pete Kuykendall, and Mike Seeger (1:44)
A06 Don't Let Your Deal Go Down: J.C. Sutphin (1:03)
A07 Under the Double Eagle: J.C. Sutphin (1:57)
A08 I Don't Love Nobody: J.C. Sutphin (1:37)
A09 Sally Goodin' / Sally Ann: Junie Scruggs (1:44)
A10 Cripple Creek: Junie Scruggs (1:21)
A11 Cumberland Gap: Snuffy Jenkins (1:37)
A12 John Henry: Snuffy Jenkins (1:36)
A13 Chicken Reel: Snuffy Jenkins (1:17)
A14 Shortening Bread: Snuffy Jenkins (1:27)
A15 John Henry: Snuffy Jenkins (1:12)
A16 Lonesome Road Blues: Snuffy Jenkins (1:17)
A17 Kansas City Kitty / Big Eared Mule: Snuffy Jenkins (2:08)
A18 Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star: Snuffy Jenkins (1:26)
A19 Careless Love: Snuffy Jenkins (1:19)
A20 Sally Ann / Sally Goodin': Snuffy Jenkins (2:00)
B01 Home, Sweet Home: Oren Jenkins (1:08)
B02 Spanish Fandango: Oren Jenkins (1:25)
B03 Cripple Creek: Oren Jenkins (1:19)
B04 Down the Road: Oren Jenkins (1:08)
B05 Liza Jane: Oren Jenkins (1:33)
B06 Hey, Mr. Banjo: Oren Jenkins (0:51)
B07 Bugle Call Rag: Oren Jenkins (1:08)
B08 Cackling Hen / Cumberland Gap: Joe Stuart (2:09)
B09 Dear Old Dixie: Larry Richardson (1:19)
B10 Little Maggie: Larry Richardson (1:15)
B11 Take Me Back to the Sweet Sunny South: Larry Richardson (1:20)
B12 Bucking Mule: Larry Richardson (1:23)
B13 Lonesome Road Blues: Larry Richardson (2:03)
B14 Turkey in the Straw: Don Bryant and Pete Kuykendall (1:00)
B15 Jenny Lynn: Don Bryant and Pete Kuykendall (0:48)
B16 Irish Washerwoman: Pete Kuykendall (1:03)
B17 Wildwood Flower: Eugene Cox and Roni Stoneman (1:37)
B18 Lonesome Road Blues: Eugene Cox and Roni Stoneman (1:15)
B19 Ground Hog: Mike Seeger and Bob Baker (1:39)
B20 Cindy: Dick Rittler, Hazel Dickens, and Mike Seeger (1:45)
B21 Little Pal: Kenny Miller (1:01)
B22 Rueben's Train: Kenny Miller and Mike Seeger (1:36)
B23 Jesse James / Hard Ain't it Hard: Eric Weissberg, Mike Seeger, and Ralph Rinzler (2:30)
[Credits]
Reissue Producer: Matt Walters, Liner Notes: Mike Seeger and Ralph Rinzler. Designer: Daphne Shuttleworth, Photographer: Carl Fleischhauer, Enginner: Doug Sax and Mike Seeger
[Notes]
This recording was the first bluegrass LP ever released. The reissue now contains 16 additional tracks, a total of 43 tunes played by the immortal Snuffy Jenkins and others, including Smiley Hobbs. A banjo classic that runs 60 minutes in length. "...[A]s unspoiled as the day they were recorded..." — Rolling Stone

November 28, 2021

Classic Labor Songs from Smithsonian Folkways

Smithsonian Folkways – SFW40166
Smithsonian Folkways – SFW40166

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2006
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
01 Joe Hill: Paul Robeson (3:01)
02 Bread and Roses: Bobbie McGee (2:30)
03 Casey Jones (The Union Scab): Pete Seeger and the Almanac Singers (1:55)
04 We Shall Not Be Moved / Roll the Union On: Joe Glazer (2:23)
05 Roll the Union On: John Handcox (1:07)
06 Cotton Mill Colic: Mike Seeger (2:38)
07 The Mill Was Made of Marble: Joe Glazer (3:59)
08 Aragon Mill: Peggy Seeger (3:09)
09 Talking Union: Almanac Singers (3:02)
10 1913 Massacre: Woody Guthrie (3:36)
11 The Preacher and the Slave: Utah Phillips (2:19)
12 Which Side are You On?: Florence Reece / The Almanac Singers (2:35)
13 Hold the Fort: Joe Uehlein (3:58)
14 Union Maid: New Harmony Sisterhood Band (3:06)
15 Too Old to Work: Joe Glazer (2:51)
16 Black Lung: Hazel Dickens (3:22)
17 Been Rolling So Long (Truck Driving Man): Larry Penn (4:00)
18 VDT: Tom Juravich (1:56)
19 Automation: Joe Glazer (2:34)
20 I’m Union and I’m Proud: Eddie Starr (2:57)
21 I’m a Union Card: Kenny Winfree (2:27)
22 Carpal Tunnel: John O'Connor (2:37)
23 We Just Come to Work Here, We Don’t Come to Die: Anne Feeney (2:49)
24 One Day More: Elaine Purkey (3:38)
25 We Do the Work: Jon Fromer (2:41)
26 De Colores: Baldemar Velasquez and Aguila Negra (2:59)
27 Solidarity Forever: Joe Glazer (2:28)
[Credits]
Compilers: Jeff Place and Joe Glazer, Photographer: Arthur Siegel, Engineer: Pete Reiniger
[Notes]
Songs of the American labor movement over the 20th century called for just wages, dignity, and a fair shake. They voiced grievances, affirmed the value of the worker to society, and expressed hope for life in a more just world. Classic Labor Songs from Smithsonian Folkways is a collage of these voices—champions of the movement, singing songs with a passion and love for their fellow workers that rings just as true today as it did then. Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Joe Glazer, the Almanac Singers, and more chronicle the history of the American labor movement in stirring song.

November 4, 2021

Music of Coal: Mining Songs from the Appalachian Coalfields

 Lonesome Pine Records & Publishing
Lonesome Pine Records & Publishing

Format: 2 x CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2007
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Blues, Folk, Bluegrass, Country
[Disc One}
01 Down in a Coal Mine: Edison Concert Band (01:21)
02 Mining Camp Blues: Trixie Smith (02:55)
03 Sprinkle Coal Dust on My Grave: Orville J. Jenks (02:41)
04 Coal Miner's Blues: The Carter Family (03:01)
05 Hard Times in Coleman's Mine: Aunt Molly Jackson (02:34)
06 He's Only a Miner Killed in the Ground: Ted Chestnut (02:32)
07 Coal Black Mining Blues: Nimrod Workman (01:12)
08 '31 Depression Blues: Ed Sturgill (02:45)
09 Prayer of a Miner's Child: Dock Boggs 01:47)
10 That Twenty-Five Cents You Paid: Sarah Ogan Gunning (02:21)
11 The L & N Don't Stop Here Anymore: Jean Ritchie (03:10)
12 Dark as a Dungeon: Merle Travis (01:54)
13 Come All You Coal Miners: Reel World String Band (02:20)
14 My Sweetheart's the Mule in the Mines: Mike Kline (00:21)
15 Thirty Inch Coal: Hobo Jack Adkins (02:34)
16 Blakc Waters:Jim Ringer (03:34)
17 Roof Boltin' Daddy: Gene Carpenter (02:25)
18 Dream of a Miner's Child: Carter Stanley (02:42)
19 Coal Miner's Boogie: George Davis (02:55)
20 The Yablonski Murder: Hazel Dickens (02:57)
21 What Are We Gonna Do?: Dorothy Myles (03:01)
22 Explosion at Derby Mine: Charlie Maggard (04:03)
23 Blind Fiddler: Jim "Bud" Stanley (03:00)
24 Loadin' Coal: John Hutchinson (02:30)
25 Coal Town Saturday Night: Randall Hylton (03:04)
26 It's Been a Long Time: Roger Hall & Sonny Houston (03:38)
27 Fountain Filled with Blood: James Caudill (03:50)
[Disc Two}
01 West Viriginia Mine Disaster: Molly Stemp (02:49)
02 Union Man: Blue Highway (03:34)
03 Blue Diamond Mines: Robin & Linda Williams (04:43)
04 Set Yourself Free: Billy Gene Mullins (00:49)
05 Redneck War: Ron Short (05:18)
06 Sixteen Tons: Ned Beatty (02:30)
07 There Will Be No Black Lung (Up in Heaven): Rev. Joe Freeman (02:01)
08 Deep Mine Blues: Nick Stump (03:30)
09 I'm a Coal Mining Man: Tom T. Hall (02:24)
10 Dirty Black Coal: Kenny Davis 04:30)
11 Black Lung: AJ Roach (03:21)
12 Coal Dust Kisses: Suzanne Mumpower-Johnson (04:05)
13 Coal Tattoo: Dale Jett 04:07)
14 A Strip Miner's Life: Don Stanley & Middle Creek (03:00)
15 Daddy's Dinner Bucket: Ralph Stanley II (03:30)
16 In Those Mines: Valerie Smith (03:43)
17 Miner's Prayer: Ralph Stanley & Dwight Yoakam (03:08)
18 Dyin' to Make a Livin': W.V. Hill (03:38)
19 You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive: Darrell Scott (05:51)
20 They Can't Put It Back: Jack Wright (02:30)
21 Which Side Are You On?: Natalie Merchant (05:01)
[Credits]
Hobo Jack Adkins (guitar/vocals) Stanley Almon (keyboards) Louis Armstrong (cornet) Ned Beatty Primary (bass/vocals) Buster Bailey(clarinet) Wayne Benson (mandolin) Junior Blankenship (guitar) Dock Boggs (banjo/vocals) Robert Bowlin (guitar) Mike Bub (bass) Becky Buller (banjo/viola) Jason Burleson (banjo/guitar/vocals) Maybelle Carter (guitar/vocals) Sara Carter (guitar/vocals) James Caudill (vocals) Curley Ray Cline (fiddle) Dudley Connell (guitar) Jack Cooke (bass) Steve Cooley (banjo/bass/guitar/mandolin) Dub Cornett (vocals) Ronny Cox (guitar) Jeff D'Angelo (bass) Beverly D'Angelo (vocals) Aaron Davis (choir) George Davis (guitar/vocals) Kenny Davis (guitar/vocals) Vernon Derrick (fiddle) Hazel Dickens (vocals) Charlie Dixon (banjo) Edith Drake (guitar) Glen Duncan (fiddle) Dave Edwards (bass) Steve Edwards (fiddle) Chris Eldridge (guitar) Mark Fain (bass) Danny Ferrington (guitar) Jeffery Freeman (bass) Rev. Joe Freeman (guitar/vocals) Jimmy Gaudreau (mandolin/vocals) Gabriel Gordon (bass) Charlie Green (trombone) Sarah Ogan Gunning (vocals) Andy Hall (dobro) Roger Hall (banjo) Tom T. Hall (vocals) Glen Harlow (mandolin) Oscar Harris (mandolin) Fletcher Henderson (piano) W.V. Hill (vocals) Sonny Houston (guitar/vocals) John Hutchison (guitar/vocals) Randall Hylton (guitar/vocals) Judy Hyman (fiddle) Rob Ickes (dobro/vocals) Aunt Molly Jackson (vocals) Kevin Jackson (fiddle) Orville J. Jenks (guitar/vocals) Dale Jett (guitar/vocals) Teresa Jett (bass) Jamie Johnson (vocals) Frank Joines (guitar) Karen Jones (fiddle/vocals) Rev. Sandra Jones (vocals) John Kaparakis (guitar) Anthony Keyes (vocals) Dwight Yoakam (guitar/vocals) Mike Kline (guitar/vocals) Curley Lambert (mandolin) Jessica Lee (bass) Nimrod Workman (vocals) Graham Maby (guitar) Asa Martin (guitar) Sue Massek (banjo/vocals) Jimmy Mattingly (guitar/mandolin) Matt McElroy (banjo) Todd Meade (bass) Natalie Merchant (vocals) Allison Miller (drums) James Price (fiddle) Denny Rice (piano) Chuck Rich (guitar) John Rigsby (mandolin) Jim Ringer (guitar/vocals) Ralph Rinzler (mandolin) Jean Ritchie (guitar/vocals) Fiddlin' Doc Roberts (fiddle) Sharon Ruble (bass) Darrell Scott (guitar/vocals) Mike Seeger (bass/guitar) James Alan Shelton (guitar) Bob Siggins (banjo) Bill Airey Smith (bass/vocals) Trixie Smith (vocals) Valerie Smith (vocals) Steve Sparkman (banjo) Tim Stafford (guitar/vocals) Art Stamper (fiddle) Carter Stanley (guitar/vocals) Don Stanley (guitar/vocals) Ralph Stanley (banjo/ocals) Richie Stearns (banjo) Nick Stump (guitar/vocals) Ernie Thacker (mandolin) Chuck Tipton (guitar) Merle Travis (guitar/vocals) Jim Watson (bass/vocals) Aaron Williams (mandolin) Linda Williams (banjo/vocals)
Producer: Charles R. Freeland, Alan Maggard and Paul Kuczko, Photographers: John Cohen, Gene DuBey, Kenny Fannon, Jim Gibson, Trula M. Goostree, David Holt, Helen Lewis, Russell Lee, Earl Palmer, Earl Dotte and Doug Yarrow, Engineers: Paula Wolak, David Castle, George Cowan, Jeff Kiser, Doug Dorschug, George Korson, Jim Price, Todd Vos, Sandy & Caroline Paton
[Notes]
Music of Coal: Mining Songs from the Appalachian Coalfields is a 70-page book and two CD compilation of old and new music from southern Appalachian coalfields. The project was produced by Jack Wright and is a benefit for the Lonesome Pine Office on Youth in Wise County, Virginia. The songs included cover a range of topics related to coal culture such as mining accidents and black lung disease. Some of the artists are natives of the U.S. coal mining region while others have less direct ties. Both vintage recordings and contemporary music have been combined with detailed liner notes giving context to both the songs and the artists. Musicologist Archie Green adds a "Sanctus" note to Wright's "Introduction." In the preliminary round of nominations for the 50th Grammy Awards the boxed set was under consideration for a number of awards, including, Best Recording Package, Best Liner Notes and Best Historical Album. The compilation did not, however, make it the final round of nominees.

October 18, 2021

Strange Creek Singers

Arhoolie Records – 9003
Arhoolie Records – 9003

Format: CD, Album, Reissue
Country: US
Released: 1997
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass, Appalachian Music, Country, Hillbilly
[Tracklist]
01 When I Can Read My Titles Clear (2:13)
02 In the Pines (3:48)
03 Sunny Side of Life (2:19)
04 Poor Old Dirt Farmer (2:18)
05 Sally Ann (1:22)
06 I Truly Understand That You Love Another Man (2:29)
07 Old Black Choo Choo (2:39)
08 Today Has Been a Lonesome Day (3:16)
09 No Never No (4:11)
10 New River Train (2:55)
11 Get Acquainted Waltz (2:38)
12 Will the Circle Be Unbroken (3:41)
13 Black Lung (3:27)
14 Difficult Run (Pt. 2) (2:48)
[Credits]
Mike Seeger (mandolin/fiddle/banjo/guitar/autoharp/vocals) Hazel Dickens (bass/vocals) Tracy Schwarz (fiddle/guitar/dobro/vocals) Alice Gerrard (guitar/vocals) Lamar Grier (banjo)
Producer: Mike Seeger and Chris Strachwitz, Liner Notes: Richard K. Spottswood, Designer: Dix Bruce, Tom Diamant and Wayne Pope, Photographer: Betsy Siggins
[Notes]
Composed of Mike Seeger, Tracy Schwarz (two-thirds of the New Lost City Ramblers), Hazel Dickens, Alice Gerrard, and Lamar Grier, the Strange Creek Singers bring new life to hymnals and old-time country classics. Utilizing a combination of instrumental and vocal talent, the singers perform solo as well as in duets, trios, and quartets to bring a traditional country voice into the cities where four of them grew up. Of particular note is the song “Black Lung,” written and sung by Hazel Dickens and dedicated to her brothers, who were coal miners.

October 16, 2021

Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard – Won't You Come & Sing For Me?

Folkways Records – FTS 31034
Folkways Records – FTS 31034

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
A1 I Just Got Wise (2:21)
A2 Please Mommy Please Stay Home with Me (3:05)
A3 They're at Rest Together (3:21)
A4 Sugar Tree Stomp (2:03)
A5 Memories of Mother & Dad (2:34)
A6 Train on the island (1:38)
B1 Won't You Come & Sing for Me (2:39)
B2 A Tiny Broken Heart (2:58)
B3 A Distant Land to Roam (2:56)
B4 John Henry (1:46)
B5 Weary Lonesome Blues (2:39)
B6 The One I Love is Gone (3:05)
[Credits]
Hazel Dickens (bass/vocals) Alice Gerrard (guitar/vocals) Fred Weisz (mandolin/bass vocals) David Grisman (guitar/baritone vocals) Lamar Grier (banjo) Billy Baker (fiddle) Mike Seeger (guitar)
[Notes]
Alice Gerrard's voice lifts and rises from the bottomless. And Hazel Dickens' vocal joins her in the chorus to affirm a unity through loneliness. Dickens, raised poor in the coal mining territory of West Virginia, and Gerrard, a classically trained singer approaching music from a rather more academic angle, were separated by a decade in age when they began running into each other in the lively folk scenes of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., in the '60s. They found that their voices meshed well and that they shared an eclectic approach to the music that they enjoyed singing.

September 14, 2021

Masters of Old-time Country Autoharp

Smithsonian Folkways – SFW CD 40115
Smithsonian Folkways – SFW CD 40115

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2006
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
01 Stoney's Waltz: Ernest V. Stoneman (1:56)
02 Sweet Marie: Neriah and Kenneth Benfield (2:00)
03 John Henry: Kilby Snow (2:07)
04 May I Sleep in Your Barn Tonight, Mister?: Kilby Snow (1:37)
05 She'll Be Coming Around the Mountain: Kilby Snow with Wade Ward (1:11)
06 Sweet Sunny South: Ernest V. Stoneman (2:30)
07 Bile'em Cabbage Down: Ernest V. Stoneman (2:02)
08 Marching Through Georgia: Ernest V. Stoneman (1:20)
09 Wreck of Number Nine: Ernest V. Stoneman (2:49)
10 Ella's Grave: Neriah Benfield (1:45)
11 Waltz: Neriah Benfield (1:21)
12 Old Joe Clark: Kenneth Benfield (1:25)
13 Shortening Bread: Kenneth Benfield (1:14)
14 Cindy: Kilby Snow (1:10)
15 Budded Roses: Kilby Snow (1:53)
16 Flop-eared Mule: Kilby Snow (1:50)
17 Home Sweet Home: Kilby Snow (2:31)
18 Springtime Again Little Annie: Ernest V. Stoneman (2:11)
19 Great Reaping Day: Ernest V. Stoneman (2:04)
20 Weeping Willow Tree: Kenneth & Neriah Benfield (1:56)
21 I'm Alone, All Alone: Ernest Stoneman with Mike Seeger (2:48)
22 All I Got's Gone: Ernest Stoneman (2:37)
23 Benfield Hoedown (Idaho Girl): Neriah Benfield (1:07)
24 Bonaparte's Retreat: Kenneth Benfield (1:47)
25 Chinese Breakdown: Neriah and Kenneth Benfield (2:13)
26 Wildwood Flower: Kilby Snow with Mike Seeger (1:22)
27 Tragic Romance: Kilby Snow with Hazel Dickens & Mike Seeger (1:25)
28 Close By: Kilby Snow (2:03)
29 Way Down in the Country: Kenneth Benfield (1:07)
30 Golden Slippers: Kenneth Benfield (2:11)
31 Lights in the Valley: Neriah and Kenneth Benfield (1:25)
32 Chicken Reel: Kilby Snow (0:47)
33 Precious Jewel: Kilby Snow (3:33)
34 Muleskinner Blues: Kilby Snow (2:18)
35 Red River Valley: Kilby and Jim Snow (2:11)
36 Hallelujah Side: Ernest V. Stoneman (2:17)
37 Jacob's Ladder: Kenneth Benfield (1:09)
38 I Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow: Kilby Snow (1:52)
[Credits]
Producer, Recorder, Photographer and Liner Notes: Mike Seeger, Liner Notes: Charles Wolfe, Designer: Sonya Cohen Cramer, Editor: Carla Borden, Product Manager: Mary Monseur, Engineer: Pete Reiniger
[Notes]
The autoharp, invented in the 1870s and a fad in the 1890s, became a virtuoso instrument among the artists featured here as well as other players in the early to mid 20th century. Spirited breakdowns, sentimental and gospel songs—some played as instrumentals—and even a bluegrass song are presented here in this re-release of the only documentary of traditional Southern autoharp players. Includes 14 previously unissued tracks. Recorded, edited, and annotated by Mike Seeger. Song notes by Charles Wolfe. 32-page booklet. 38 tracks; 72 minutes

September 11, 2021

There is No Eye: Music for Photographs

Smithsonian Folkways – SFW CD 40091
Smithsonian Folkways – SFW CD 40091

Format: CD, HDCD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2001
Genre: Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass, Blues, Folk, Gospel, Country Blues, Celtic
[Tracklist]
01 Thank You Lord: Gospel Church, Harlem (4:29)
02 If I Had My Way: Reverend Gary Davis (4:46)
03 Have You Ever Been Mistreated: Yvonne Hunter (1:39)
04 I Can't Be Satisfied: Muddy Waters (2:44)
05 Roll On John: Bob Dylan (3:26)
06 Man of Constant Sorrow: Roscoe Holcomb (2:59)
07 Hicks Farewell: Doc Watson and Gaither Carlton (4:31)
08 Come All You Tenderhearted: Carter Stanley (3:38)
09 Young But Growing: Mary Townsley (3:29)
10 TB Blues: Alice Gerrard and Hazel Dickens (3:29)
11 John Henry: Bill Monroe (1:34)
12 Sally Goodin: Eck Robertson (3:42)
13 Twin Sisters: Sidna Myers (0:57)
14 Sally Johnson: Wade Ward and Charlie Higgins (2:15)
15 Pull My Daisy: David Amram Quartet (4:33)
16 So Long: Go: Rufus Cohen and Wade Patterson (3:02)
17 Who'll Water My Flowers?: Last Forever (2:36)
18 Oh Babe, It Ain't No Lie: Elizabeth Cotten (2:07)
19 Ramblin' Round: Woody Guthrie (2:17)
20 Love My Darling-O: Alan Lomax (1:56)
21 Buck Creek Girls: The New Lost City Ramblers (3:01)
22 Paloma Blanca: Huayno Stringband (2:20)
23 Kitchen Girl: Sweets Mill Band (The Arkansas Sheiks) (2:42)
[Credits]
Compiler, Producer, Liner Notes and Photographer: John Cohen, Coordinator: Mary Monseur, Designer: Visual Dialogue, Editor: Carla Borden, Engineer: Pete Reiniger
[Notes]
In Music For Photographs, photographer, film maker, folklorist and musician John Cohen (of the New Lost City Ramblers) presents some of the finest American roots recordings ever made. On their own, these songs are authentic and captivating. Yet, they are only one half of a conceptual whole—Cohen has also released a book of photographs, There is No Eye, showcasing the musicians featured here as well as many others. Experienced together, the music and the photographs create new dimensions of possibility in our collective drive to understand and appreciate people's music. Includes unreleased music from Rev. Gary Davis and Bob Dylan, as well as classic tracks from Woody Guthrie, Roscoe Holcomb, Bill Monroe, Carter Stanley, Muddy Waters, and many more. 32-page booklet, exquisite photos, extensive notes, 68 minutes.

June 25, 2021

Classic Bluegrass Vol. 2 from Smithsonian Folkways

Smithsonian Folkways – SFW CD 40163
Smithsonian Folkways – SFW CD 40163

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2005
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
01 Blue Grass Breakdown: David Johnson (3:12)
02 Roving Gambler: The Country Gentlemen (3:06)
03 Daniel Prayed: Doc Watson, Fred Price, and Clint Howard (2:53)
04 Fourteen-Carat Mind: Half & Half (2:28)
05 Won't You Come and Sing for Me?: Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard (2:45)
06 Rocky Run: Jerry Stuart, Pete Kuykendall, Smiley Hobbs, and Tom Gray (2:47)
07 The Girl Behind the Bar: Red Clay Ramblers (2:06)
08 Ain't Nobody Gonna Miss Me: B. Lilly, Chubby Anthony, Don Stover (2:16)
09 Are You Afraid to Die: Red Allen and Frank Wakefield (2:38)
10 Walls of Time: Bill Monroe and Peter Rowan (4:05)
11 Back Up and Push: The Friendly City Playboys (1:50)
12 I've Endured: Ola Belle Reed (2:48)
13 Carolina in the Pines: Harley Allen (2:42)
14 Jesse James: Eric Weissberg (2:30)
15 Two Orphans: The Georgia Pals (3:19)
16 China Grove, My Home Town: The Nashville Grass (2:31)
17 Bluegrass Spectacular: Bill Price (2:38)
18 Stoney Creek: Sonny Miller (1:22)
19 Little Maggie: Larry Richardson (1:13)
20 Miss Ferris: John Hartford (3:51)
21 Foggy Mountain Top: Earl Taylor and the Stoney Mountain Boys (2:00)
22 Sinner, You Better Get Ready: The Lilly Brothers and Don Stover (2:58)
23 Sitting on Top of the World: Doc Watson (3:05)
24 Renegade: Bob Everhart (1:59)
25 Possum Holler: Bill Price (2:58)
26 Red Wing: Tom Morgan (2:33)
27 I'll Take the Blame: Red Allen (2:21)
28 Watson's Blues: Bill Monroe and Doc Watson (2:26)
[Credits]
Producer: Lee Michael Demsey, Liner Notes: Jacob Love & Jeff Place, Designer: Sonya Cohen Cramer, Photographer: Stephanie P. Ledgin, Mastering Engineer: Pete Reiniger
[Notes]
Compiled from over 40 years of classic bluegrass recordings on the Folkways and Smithsonian Folkways labels, Classic Bluegrass, vol. 2 showcases many of the key artists who shaped the sound of this internationally-acclaimed, all-American music. "Father of Bluegrass" Bill Monroe, Doc Watson, Hazel Dickens, The Country Gentlemen, Red Allen, Frank Wakefield, John Hartford, and many others bring us the best of this diverse music tradition. 32-page booklet. 28 classic tracks. 73 minutes.

March 9, 2020

Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys: Live Recordings 1956-1969

Smithsonian Folkways SF CD 40063

Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1993
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
01 Watermelon Hanging On The Vine (0:37)
02 Roanoke (1:19)
03 Brakeman's Blues (2:40)
04 Close By (2:26)
05 Kentucky Waltz (2:26)
06 Blue Grass Stomp (2:10)
07 Blue Moon Of Kentucky (2:00)
08 I'm Working On A Building (1:59)
09 Angels Rock Me To Sleep (1:53)
10 Wheel Hoss (2:08)
11 Watermelon Hanging On The Vine (0:31)
12 Katy Hill (3:06)
13 True Life Blues (2:40)
14 I Live In The Past (2:41)
15 Wayfaring Stranger (4:27)
16 Fire On The Mountain (3:37)
17 Blue Grass Breakdown (3:22)
18 Raw Hide (2:52)
19 Y'All Come (0:49)
20 Cotton-Eyed Joe (2:49)
21 Get Up John (3:14)
22 White House Blues (2:01)
23 Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms (2:27)
24 Kansas City Railroad Blues (2:51)
25 The Walls Of Time (4:30)
26 When He Reached Down His Hand For Me (2:44)
27 Monroe Family Segment (9:45)
[Credits]
Bill Monroe (mandolin/vocals)
Producer & Liner Notes: Ralph Rinzler, Photographer: David Gahr & Phil Zimmerman, Mastering Engineer: Alan Yoshida
[Notes]
"Howdy, howdy folks. We're glad to be back for another show here. As we do the numbers now, we're gonna call each fellow's name out so we can get right along with the show." And what a show. Bluegrass has always been a live-performance genre, on stage or in the studio, and Bill Monroe never sounded better on stage than during these heady years of the folk revival. He had something to share and to prove to his new audience, and he wouldn't meet them halfway, choosing instead his grittiest traditional material and singing, especially in the late '50s, with full, high yodel and wail. His voice mellowed into the '60s, but his band, including many of the best bluegrass pickers ever (Bill Keith, Peter Rowan, Richard Greene, and Bobby Hicks for starters), never gave quarter. To understand Bill Monroe and his various ensembles, one needs to hear his stage brilliance, and there's no better place to start than with these warm, clear live recordings. --Roy Kasten

September 20, 2019

Mountain Music Played on the Autoharp

Folkways Records FA-2365

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1962
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Country, Field Recording, Bluegrass, Folk
[Tracklist]
A01 Stoney's Waltz: Ernest V. Stoneman (2:09)
A02 Sweet Marie: Neriah and Kenneth Benfield (2:04)
A03 May I Sleep in Your Barn Tonight, Mister?: Kilby Snow (1:41)
A04 She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain: Kilby Snow and Wade Ward (1:15)
A05 Flop-Eared Mule: Kilby Snow (2:01)
A06 Bile Them Cabbage Down: Ernest V. Stoneman (2:40)
A07 All I Got's Gone: Ernest Stoneman (2:40)
A08 Ella's Grave: Neriah and Kenneth Benfield (1:50)
A09 Shortenin' Bread: Kenneth Benfield (1:18)
A10 Old Joe Clark: Kenneth Benfield (1:30)
A11 Waltz: Neriah Benfield (1:24)
A12 Precious Jewel: Kilby Snow (3:38)
A13 Ain't Going to Work Tomorrow: Kilby Snow (1:56)
B01 Muleskinner Blues: Kilby Snow (2:22)
B02 John Henry: Kilby Snow (3:35)
B03 Weeping Willow Tree: Neriah and Kenneth Benfield (2:00)
B04 Wreck of Number Nine: Ernest V. Stoneman (2:52)
B05 Red River Valley: Kilby Snow (2:15)
B06 The Great Reaping Day: Ernest V. Stoneman (2:06)
B07 I'm Alone, All Alone: Ernest V. Stoneman (2:50)
B08 Jacob's Ladder: Kenneth Benfield (1:12)
B09 Way Down in the Country: Kenneth Benfield (1:00)
B20 Benfield Hoedown (Idaho Girl): Neriah Benfield (1:12)
B21 Wildwood Flower: Kilby Snow (1:27)
B22 Tragic Romance: Kilby Snow (1:33)
[Credits]
Ernest V. Stoneman (autoharp/vocals) Kenneth Benfield (autoharp) Neriah Benfield (autoharp) Kilby Snow (autoharp) Wade Ward (banjo) Mike Seeger (banjo/guitar) Hazel Dickens (guitar)
Recorder and Producer: Mike Seeger
[Notes]
First patented in 1881 by German instrument repairman Charles Zimmerman, the autoharp first reached popularity as a novelty instrument. By 1900, while that fad had passed, the autoharp found an enduring home in the southern mountains. This compilation features a variety of performers, as well as extensive biographical notes about each contributor.

November 11, 2018

Hazel Dickens & Alice Gerrard: Sing Me Back Home - The DC Tapes 1965-1969

Free Dirt Records DIRT-CD-0087

Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: September 21, 2018
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk & Coutry
[Tracklist]
01 Bye Bye Love (2:51)
02 Tell Me That You Love Me (2:33)
03 Seven Year Blues (2:04)
04 Cannonball Blues (2:09)
05 This Little Light of Mine (1:57)
06 James Alley Blues (4:23)
07 Little Darling Pal of Mine (2:26)
08 Are You All Alone (2:08)
09 No One to Welcome Me Home (2:57)
10 Let Me Fall (2:03)
11 Will You Miss Me (3:11)
12 No Telephone in Heaven (2:39)
13 I'll Wash Your Love from My Heart (1:48)
14 Hard Time Blues (3:03)
15 Why Not Confess (2:02)
16 Bound to Ride (1:37)
17 Sing Me Back Home (3:25)
18 The First Whippoorwill (Bonus Track) (2:26)
19 In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad) (Bonus Track) (2:56)
[Credits]
Recorded by Hazel Dickens & Alice Gerrard, Liner Notes: Erica Haskell and Maureen Loughran, Designer: MacDonald Studios, Engineer: Joseph Dejarnette, Photographer: Betsy Siggins
[Notes]
Beloved bluegrass trailblazers Hazel Dickens & Alice Gerrard are revered as pioneers of the form, who challenged the norm at a time when bluegrass remained largely in the purview of men. Nowhere is this more clear than on a set of newly unearthed recordings, Sing Me Back Home: The DC Tapes, 1965-1969, out September 21 on Free Dirt Records. Sourced from Alice's private archive and digitized with help from the Southern Folklife Collection at UNC Chapel Hill, the recordings invite us to witness the creative process of these towering figures—just two voices and a handful of instruments working out arrangements at home. Across 19 tracks the duo sings the classic country of The Carter Family, The Louvin Brothers, and Jimmie Rodgers; contemporary hits of the 1960s penned by Dolly Parton and Merle Haggard; and barn-burning traditional standards that blur the line between old-time and early bluegrass. Sing Me Back Home is a raw, unfiltered listen to Hazel & Alice at the height of their collaborative energy.

May 18, 2018

Don't Mourn-Organize! Songs of Labor Songwriter Joe Hill

Format: CD, Album, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1990
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
01 Joe Hill: Billy Bragg (8:25)
02 Joe Hill's Last Will: Utah Phillips (3:13)
03 Joe Hill's Ashes: Mark Levy (3:20)
04 The Preacher and the Slave: n/a (3:40)
05 Joe Hill: Paul Robeson (2:59)
06 Paper Heart: Si Kahn (2:37)
07 Casey Jones (The Union Scab): Pete Seeger (1:59)
08 Mr. Block: Mats Paulson (3:03)
09 Joe Hill Listens to the Praying: Joe Glazer and Lori Elaine Taylor (7:23)
10 The Tramp: Cisco Houston (3:17)
11 Joe Hill: Earl Robinson (2:38)
12 The White Slave: Carlos Cortez (3:30)
13 Narrative: Elizabeth Gurley Flynn (1:08)
14 The Rebel Girl: Hazel Dickens (3:00)
15 There is Power in a Union: Entertainment Workers IU 630 with Utah Phillips (4:10)
[Credits]
Producer and Liner Notes: Lori Elaine Taylor, Designer: Daphne Shuttleworth
[Notes]
Joe Hill's powerful songs moved Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Utah Phillips, Si Kahn, and countless others to blend politics and song. This dramatic tribute to the Industrial Workers of the World songwriter and activist Joe Hill, features songs by and about Hill performed by Billy Bragg, Hazel Dickens, Earl Robinson, Paul Robeson, and others. Compiled by Lori Elaine Taylor. "A treasure for anyone interested in American folk or labor music." — Washington Post

December 26, 2017

Pioneering Women of Bluegrass: Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard

Smithsonian Folkways SF CD 40065

Format: CD, Compilation, Remastered
Country: US
Released: 1996
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass
[Tracklist]
01 TB Blues 3:27
02 The One I Love Is Gone (3:08)
03 Who's That Knocking? (2:58)
04 Walkin' In My Sleep (2:08)
05 Won't You Come And Sing For Me? (2:45)
06 Can't You Hear Me Calling (3:13)
07 Darling Nellie (2:20)
08 Coal Miner's Blues (2:42)
09 Sugar Tree Stomp (2:06)
10 Train On The Island (1:41)
11 Cowboy Jim (2:03)
12 Lee Highway Blues (1:39)
13 Memories Of Mother And Dad (2:36)
14 Long Black Veil (3:19)
15 Gonna Lay Down My Old Guitar (2:55)
16 Difficult Run (1:32)
17 Mommy Please Stay Home With Me (3:11)
18 Gabriel's Call (2:13)
19 Just Another Broken Heart (2:43)
20 A Distant Land To Roam (2:59)
21 John Henry (1:47)
22 I Just Got Wise (2:27)
23 Lover's Return (3:06)
24 A Tiny Broken Heart (3:02)
25 Take Me Back To Tulsa (2:13)
26 I Hear A Sweet Voice Calling (3:06)
[Credits]
Producer & Recorder: Peter K. Siegel, Liner Notes: Bill Vernon, Neil Rosenberg, Hazel Dickens & Alice Gerrard, Mastering Engineer: David Glasser, Designer: Visual Dialogue, Photographer: John Cohen & Barry Glickman
[Notes]
Recordings previously released on Folkways Records 31055 and 31034, issued in 1965 and 1973.
When Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard recorded these songs in the mid-1960s, bluegrass music was dominated by male performers. They selected their favorite songs and arranged them for a stellar group of sidemen—bluegrass legends Lamar Grier, Chubby Wise, David Grisman, and Billy Baker. Their widely admired performances made them role models for future generations of women in bluegrass. The 26 tracks have been remastered, resequenced, and newly annotated by the performers themselves. Includes Long Black Veil, The One I Love Is Gone, and I Hear a Sweet Voice Calling. "Hazel and Alice blast out vintage bluegrass-country soundsongs with fierce, raucous energy." — Time Magazine

May 3, 2017

The Old Home Place: Bluegrass And Old-Time Mountain Music

Rounder Records CD 1166105142

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2003
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Bluegrass, Country
[Tracklist]
01 Home Again: Livewire 2:48
02 Letter To Home: IIIrd Tyme Out (3:08)
03 Old Home Place:J.D. Crowe (2:47)
04 Who Will Watch The Home Place: Laurie Lewis (5:26)
05 To Be Back Home Again: Spectrum (3:52)
06 Leaving This Land: Suzanne Thomas (3:38)
07 My Native Home: Nashville Bluegrass Band (2:50)
08 Little Whitewashed Chimney: The Cox Family (2:47)
09 This Old House: The Rice Brothers (4:54)
10 Home: Jim & Jesse (2:37)
11 Lonesome Old Home: Longview (4:42)
12 Home Is Where The Heart Is: Connie & Babe (2:00)
13 Squad Auction At The Home Place: Dry Branch Fire (3:42)
14 Old Kentucky Home: Vern Williams (2:45)
15 Cheer Of The Home Fires: Bill Grant & Delia Bell (2:50)
16 You Don't Have To Go Home: Alecia Nugent (3:12)
17 Hills Of Home: Hazel Dickens (4:12)
[Credits]
Compile: Ken Irwin, Design: Sarah Lainie Smith, Liner Notes: Bill C. Malone
[Notes]
Few things surpass the importance of home in traditional folk and country music. The Old Home Place gathers 17 songs taken from the past recordings of Rounder Records' illustrious cadre of artists. Songs chosen from the catalogs of Jim & Jesse, J.D. Crowe, and Laurie Lewis run the gauntlet of old-time and bluegrass styles. The Nashville Bluegrass Band's version of A.P. Carter's "My Native Home" captures the lonesome feel of the lyrics, while the Cox Family brings their trademark harmony to bear on "Little Whitewashed Chimney." Ed Hamilton's classic "Lonesome Old Home" gets a fresh makeover from Longview, while "Home Is Where the Heart Is" receives a traditional rendering by Connie & Babe. The cumulative effect of this disc is comparable to listening to an hour of old favorites on the radio with no commercials. The album ends with Hazel Dickens' heartbreaking "Hills of Home," a song that captures the modern changes that overtook and scattered many rural households. There's a similar melancholy to "Auction at the Home Place" by the Dry Branch Fire Squad. Besides good music, The Old Home Place works as a mediation on "home" and what it means in a changing and uncertain world. Bluegrass and old-time fans, along with those who long for the old home place, will enjoy this collection.

March 16, 2017

Songcatcher: Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture

Vanguard CD 79586-2

Format: CD, Album, Soundtrack
Country: US
Released: 2001
Genre: Folk, World, & Country, Stage & Screen
Style: Folk
[Tracklist]
01 Fair And Tender Ladies: Rosanne Cash (2:54)
02 Pretty Saro: Iris DeMent (2:52)
03 When Love Is New: Dolly Parton & Emmy Rossum (5:16)
04 Barbara Allen: Emmy Rossum (0:43)
05 Barbara Allen: Emmylou Harris (4:33)
06 Moonshiner: Allison Moorer (3:32)
07 Sounds Of Loneliness: Patty Loveless (3:41)
08 All My Tears: Julie Miller (3:08)
09 Wayfarin' Stranger: Maria McKee (3:49)
10 Mary Of The Wild Moor: Sara Evans (3:20)
11 Wind And Rain: Gillian Welch, David Rawlings & David Steele (3:20)
12 The Cuckoo Bird: Deana Carter (3:30)
13 Score Suite #1: David Mansfield (4:59)
14 Conversation With Death: Hazel Dickens, David Patrick Kelly & Bobby McMillen (2:57)
15 Score Suite #2: David Mansfield (4:58)
16 Single Girl: Pat Carroll (1:04)
[Credits]
Producer: Chris Farren, Art Direction: Kimberly Levitan, Artwork: Woodie Long, Coordinator: Stephanie Urcheck, Creative Director: Georgette Cartwright, Design: Good And Evil Design, Christopher Covert, Ken Levitan and Steve Buckingham, Production Manager: Jennie Carey
[Notes]
The soundtrack to a film about a woman music scholar's travels in Appalachia is largely devoted to contemporary versions of traditional folk songs by an impressive roster of female vocalists.

February 26, 2017

Classic Mountain Songs From Smithsonian Folkways

Smithsonian Folkways SFW CD 40094

Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 2002
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Folk, Country
[Tracklist]
01 Omie Wise: Doug Wallin (3:03)
02 Sugar Baby: Dock Boggs (2:50)
03 I Am A Poor Pilgrim Of Sorrow: Old Regular Baptists (5:24)
04 Sixteen Tons: George Davis (3:05)
05 John Henry: Lesley Riddle (2:25)
06 Lost Indian: Marion Sumner (0:51)
07 Southbound: Doc And Merle Watson (2:39)
08 High On A Mountain: Ola Belle Reed (3:02)
09 Coal Creek March: Pete Steele (1:23)
10 Coal Miner Blues: Hazel Dickens And Alice Gerrard (2:42)
11 Railroad Blues: Sam McGee (2:45)
12 Cuckoo Bird: Clarence Ashley (2:33)
13 Conversation With Death: Berzilla Wallin (5:03)
14 Lone Prairie: Wade Ward (0:52)
15 Rain And Snow: Dillard Chandler (2:23)
16 Mole In The Ground: Bascom Lamar Lunsford (3:19)
17 Moonshiner: Roscoe Holcomb (1:59)
18 Wildwood Flower: Kilby Snow (1:23)
19 Barbry Ellen: Jean Ritchie (5:01)
20 Daniel Prayed: Watson, Price, And Howard (2:54)
21 Wreck Of The Number Nine: Ernest V. Stoneman (2:48)
22 Red Jacket Mine Explosion: The Phipps Family (4:00)
23 Kingdom Come: Norman Edmonds (2:02)
24 Amazing Grace: Horton Barker (4:16)
[Credits]
Liner Notes: Jeff Place & Jacob Love, Coordinator: Mary Monseur, Mastered by: Pete Reiniger, Technician: Nathaniel Berndt
[Notes]
Riding the wave of the renewed interest in traditional American music, Classic Mountain Songs From Smithsonian Folkways Recordings showcases a handful of the greatest mountain ballads as performed by some of the most influential folk singers and songwriters of the 20th century. This collection features many classic performances from a wide variety of regional instrumental and song styles. These diverse styles and songs from the mountain communities of North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee include old-time fiddle and banjo pieces, early bluegrass, and traditional ballads, with a special emphasis on Appalachian vocal traditions. Doc and Merle Watson, Roscoe Holcomb, Clarence Ashley, and Dock Boggs are just a few of the revered roots artists who appear on this stellar compilation. This album is essential for both old and new fans of American mountain music. Compiled and annotated by Jeff Place.